[HitmanLV]

Nope, he didn't. He encouraged his listeners to call up other talk shows to see how their call screeners would react, since Savage's book is released this month and that fact arguably makes Savage news.

Savage (and most in his audience) didn't expect anyone to get past the screeners and on the air. It was just a test to see how the radio show screeners consider Dr. Savage.

[Keith in Iowa]

>>> It was just a test to see how the radio show screeners consider Dr. Savage.

Who needs a test for that? He's nuts!

[Williams]

I disagree, I heard Savage ask people to say whatever they must to get on the air, and then to bring up Savage's book when they get on. He offered some sort of reward for anyone who accomplishes it. He was going on that they won't discuss him or his book on those shows.

I didn't think it was classy. All these guys are hawking their own books and coffee mugs. It's understandable they don't play up their competitors' merchandise.

Imagine the money Savage is desperately trying to make with this book and you can understand why he went over the top. For my part, I will pick his book up and thumb through it in the bookstore, just like he suggests. Of course he hopes you'll buy it then but really, do any of these books hold any surprises for people who listen to the shows? I looked at Hannity's book once and it was conservatism for dummies.

[DumpsterDiver]

Let Savage top this:

I, Libertine - Making the [Bestseller] List
By Joyce Brabner
June 1, 2000

Late-night radio yarn spinner Jean Shepherd was convinced that the New York Times Best Seller List was a sucker's game. He decided to test his theory.

snip

In 1956, the midnight monologist convinced listeners to ask bookstores for a book that didn't exist. Callers suggested the title: I, Libertine by imaginary author Frederick R. Ewing. Shepherd created the plot and author's bio. Set in England during the 1700s, the historical novel, by an "expert in 18th century erotica," detailed the adventures of Lance Courtnay, courtier and Casanovian rakehell. Ewing was British, Shepherd decided, a BBC radio personality and former World War II commander turned civil servant now living in Rhodesia. Published by a Cambridge University press, he even had a wife, Marjorie, "a horsewoman from the North Country."

snip

Distributors called Publisher's Weekly. The definitive trade mag wrote up the buzz about I, Libertine and it was soon listed in the New York Times Book Review. More articles appeared. There was a backlash. The book was banned in Boston by the Legion of Decency because of its "racy" content — and defended vigorously. College listeners in on the gag submitted apparently erudite research papers on Ewing. The Philadelphia Public Library catalogued the imaginary author, prompting Shepherd to declare "My God! Maybe there was no Chaucer! It could've been some guy 400 years ago, putting on the whole world!"

snip

[A]s weeks passed, the book attracted international interest. More articles appeared and worldwide bestseller lists touted the fake novel.

snip

A Wall Street Journal reporter finally called WOR about Shepherd's open secret and a front-page story appeared the next day, creating a second media sensation.

snip

Ballentine finally did publish I, Libertine. Shepherd and science fiction author Theodore Sturgeon met and decided to team together as "Ewing." All profits went to charity. "Turbulent! Turgid! Tempestuous!" It was a best seller, of course.

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

I don't particularly like Savage's constant gratuitious trashing of Hannity and Rush. But he's so outstanding sometimes, I try to ignore it. Not to mention, I like an anti-establishment viewpoint in my news diet.

Doug from upland once told me SPAM: Spread Patriotism And Muckraking.

[Not sure what you think about Savage, Doug.]